Food service: a complete guide to choose an industrial washing machine

Do we really know what we’re eating? Data shows that an outbreak of foodborne illness is 10 times more likely to originate in a restaurant than in other spaces with high volumes of meals, such as schools. More than an excellent dish, it’s crucial to maintain standards of cleanliness and hygiene to protect food from contamination and ensure the health and well-being of customers and staff. And this is where industrial washing machines come in. Discover the most important factors to consider when choosing a washing solution for food service.

1. Size

Each business is unique, so assessing how much available space you have and how any industrial washing machine fits in is key to make the most of your layout. A machine that blends harmoniously into the environment promotes a smooth workflow, avoids bottlenecks and makes it easier for employees to move around. It also has a major impact on ergonomics, resulting in more organized and efficient operations.

MultiWasher, the industrial washing machine designed by Somengil, can be customized to suit each facility. Therefore, this equipment suits people and processes – not the other way around. Whether your business is looking for a machine to wash trays, tools or trolleys, the MultiWasher adapts to the needs of each process.

2. Price

The price factor plays a significant role when choosing an industrial washing machine for food service. Although it’s tempting to focus exclusively on the most economical options, it’s crucial to find a cost / benefit equilibrium. Factors such as durability, energy efficiency, advanced automation, control of specific washing parameters and programs and less need for maintenance can justify a higher investment, since in the long run they mean lower additional expenses.

3. Materials

Construction methods and materials vary between suppliers and are critical factors that directly affect the durability, corrosion resistance and overall quality of the machine. High-quality materials ensure that the machine can withstand the mechanical and thermal stress of intensive and permanent washing cycles, as well as the challenging foodservice environment where chemical substances abound. More than extending the machine’s lifecycle, it also ensures continued efficiency in performance, guaranteeing that it remains reliable and consistent.

4. Performance

Machine performance – usually measured in terms of washing capacity, cycle time, energy efficiency and water consumption – is another crucial factor when choosing a foodservice washing machine. Machines that use advanced technologies to optimize water and energy consumption, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, contribute to environmental sustainability and reduce operating costs in the long term.

5. Versatility

Another important aspect of performance is versatility. A washing machine for food service must be able to wash different items, from plates and cutlery to pots and pans, and larger kitchen utensils. Industrial washing machine should allow you to customize the settings according to the type of utensils to wash, the level of soiling and other specific food service requirements. This flexibility improves operational efficiency and helps save water and energy. The ability to adjust settings – such as cycle time and wash intensity – means you are able to adapt to different needs and allows the machine to accommodate bigger wash volumes as the business grows.

6. Ergonomics

The ergonomics of an industrial washing machine is essential to optimize the interaction between operators and the equipment, and it directly influences safety and comfort in daily use. Ergonomic design means the height and layout of the control panels have been thought through, as have the ease of loading and unloading utensils, and the placement of essential components. By facilitating access, the machine becomes more user-friendly, reduces fatigue, minimizes the risk of accidents and occupational injuries, and increases operational efficiency.

7. R&D

Suppliers that invest heavily in research and development guarantee continuous innovation and build it into their products. In addition, this focus on R&D extends to comprehensive customer support, including technical assistance services, spare parts and solid guarantees, which is crucial to an uninterrupted operation and to minimize downtime in the event of anomalies.

MultiWasher, the industrial washing machine designed for food service

The MultiWasher is an industrial washing machine designed with food service needs in mind. With adaptable dimensions, high-quality materials, efficient performance, customizable settings and studied ergonomics, it offers a comprehensive solution to the most demanding challenges of commercial kitchens. It also washes various utensils, such as trolleys, trays and tools.

Get in touch with our experts’ team or schedule a free webinar and find out how the MultiWasher could be the machine you need to raise food service standards.